Critical stakeholders from Gembu, Taraba State, have strongly advocated for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Gembu, describing it as a crucial step toward universal healthcare coverage and regional development.
Speaking at the National Assembly Public Hearing on 50 FMC Bills on Thursday, representatives from Taraba State emphasised the urgent need for legislative backing to facilitate the immediate and sustainable implementation of the proposed FMC. The bill, which scaled its second reading last year, was sponsored by Senator Manu Haruna, representing Taraba Central Senatorial District.
Presenting a memorandum on behalf of the stakeholders, Alhaji Abubakar Jarau highlighted the far-reaching benefits of establishing an FMC in Gembu, stressing that it would not only save lives but also reduce healthcare inequalities, create jobs, and position Gembu as a strategic healthcare hub for both Nigeria and the West African subregion.
“The establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Gembu, through this amendment, will be a historic milestone in Nigeria’s quest for universal healthcare coverage, economic development, and national security,” Jarau stated.
He urged the National Assembly, policymakers, and development partners to support the bill, ensuring that the people of Gembu and surrounding communities receive the healthcare services they deserve.
Stakeholders outlined five critical reasons why the FMC is necessary, emphasising healthcare accessibility, emergency response, economic growth, and medical research.
Firstly, the geographical challenges of the Mambilla Plateau create significant health disparities. Gembu is located far from existing tertiary healthcare facilities in Taraba State, with the nearest FMCs several hours away over difficult terrain. The high-altitude climate and unique environmental factors in the area further complicate health conditions, making a dedicated medical centre essential for specialised treatments and emergency responses.
Secondly, reducing healthcare inequality and medical tourism is a pressing issue. Residents of Gembu and its surrounding communities are often forced to travel to Jalingo, Yola, Gombe, or even Cameroon for advanced medical care. These long-distance journeys result in financial burdens and increased mortality rates due to treatment delays. Establishing FMC Gembu would bridge this gap, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of location.
The third major concern is the need for a stronger emergency medical response and pandemic preparedness. Gembu is prone to seasonal disease outbreaks, including respiratory infections, waterborne diseases, and zoonotic illnesses due to its unique topography and climate. A well-equipped FMC would enhance disease surveillance, containment, and response capabilities, aligning with Nigeria’s National Health Emergency Preparedness Strategy.
Beyond healthcare benefits, the stakeholders stressed that FMC Gembu would drive economic growth and create employment opportunities. The medical centre would provide jobs for healthcare professionals, administrative personnel, and auxiliary workers, while also stimulating local economic development by attracting healthcare investments, medical tourism, and private-sector partnerships.
Additionally, the proposed FMC would serve as a medical research and training hub. The facility would train medical students, resident doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, fostering collaborative research in tropical medicine, high-altitude health conditions, and public health interventions. Partnerships with universities, medical institutions, and international health organisations would further enhance research and knowledge-sharing in the sector.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their appeal to the National Assembly to pass the bill, stressing that the establishment of FMC Gembu would mark a transformative shift in healthcare delivery in Taraba State and beyond.
“We urge all policymakers and development partners to support this amendment. The people of Gembu and the surrounding communities deserve access to world-class healthcare services. This is not just a healthcare bill; it is an investment in human capital, economic development, and national security,” Jarau concluded.
